If Sarah Burton’s previous album, 64 Magic Queens, leaned in to a rawer, rockier vibe to set its tone, with her new one, the singer-songwriter in her looms large. And, more than that, a country-fried, Americana-infused, pop-roots crossover singer-songwriter, one that would easily fit in the space between Sheryl Crow and Margo Price.
And if tracks such as Sorry blend Nashville vibes with a more hushed and hazy pop vibe and OMG L’Amour takes us down a more rock and roll road, the current single, Worth Sticking Around For, sits somewhere between the two.
Then you have Montana, a gorgeously soul-infused song that balances grace and grandeur. City and Color’s Matt Kelly creates sonic textures that ebb and flow beautifully via the waves of the Hammond Organ and some scintillating blues guitar lines. Things end on the most positive and buoyant note thanks to the lilting and lovely, optimistic and upbeat Sunnyside.
It is hard not to love Swoonville USA, and the album clearly proves Sarah Burton to be a triple threat—someone who can write great songs, deliver them to perfection, and also make a home in all manner of different genres.